Pablo Reinoso is an Argentine-French artist and designer who has been working and living in Paris since the late seventies. He is most famous for his public installations and sculptures, which he creates from traditional materials, e.g., metal, stone, and also from wood. Perhaps one of his most recognized pieces is the spaghetti bench and even the L’Arche sculpture, which sits in front of the Petit Palace in Paris.
Lodha engaged Reinoso, the global property developers, to create a sculpture for their new building in central London. Journalist Raj Gill caught up with Pablo in his Paris studio.
What is your process?
When I have the chance to be in my workshop, I take the opportunity to draw and to take time to consider future projects. I communicate a lot with my contacts in Europe and in Latin America switching from French to Spanish throughout the day. These days I spend very little time in my studio in Paris as I travel a lot to follow up on my projects. I always need to observe a place, really get under its skin before I begin the process of creating.
What / who do you draw your inspiration from?
My inspiration comes from everything that surrounds me, sometimes from the materials – wood, metal, stone, etc. Sometimes from the natural environment, all of this dictates how my works will unfold. I am also inspired by the context of psychoanalysis reflection in which I evolve.
What are/have been the biggest challenges in your creative process?
My biggest challenge is to reinvent myself every day.
What inspires you to work on a specific project?
Everything starts with a proposition; the next step is for me is to research my options. If I feel that I can elaborate on an interesting piece, I can then start to develop my work.
And what drew you to work on the Lodha project?
It was a great project for public space in a typical neighborhood of London City, in which many architectural styles meet up. I was very excited to include my artwork in that environment. I had to work on the project in harmony with PLP architects and with this strong environment to create a work that fits perfectly in this urban specific landscape. I am thrilled that my work is visible and used by the residents of Lincoln Square and everyone who passes by.
How did the Lodha collaboration happen?
I was contacted by the group and invited to present artwork for the Lincoln Square project. A competition had been organized, and I succeeded in the first and second rounds. Once I reached the second round, we had a presentation meeting, all the team fell in love with a little sketch that I’d done very quickly that morning on the Eurostar train from Paris. It was a variant of the Ark’s project with a seated part; it was subsequently adapted and reached consensus on both for the architects and the Lodha group.
How long from the first deliberations until the installation of the Lodha sculpture?
It was quite long, I sent my presentation project in February 2018, and the Ark was installed in March 2019.
What does your work process involve?
I draw a few sketches, think about new projects and demands, I discuss with my production team if it is feasible to complete the work, then it’s time to think about the transport and the installation.
What are the important lessons you have learned along the way?
I always have to think of the material and places before anything can be done to be sure that my work will be visible for a very long time in good condition.
What is the most favorite part of your job?
It is creating new projects from my imagination. First, it is just a drawing or an idea, and then it becomes real in space, and it moves me.
What do you think sets your designs apart?
It’s pretentious of me to talk about a difference from others, but I think that something particular emerges by working on the boundary between art and design.
What is the best thing about being an artist?
Being truly free, having the opportunity to question yourself always.
What has been your favorite sculpture to design? I know, it’s like asking who your favorite child is, but there must be a special one.
It is too difficult to choose one, in particular. However, I can say that each time I start a new series of work, it is fascinating, so much to discover. I experienced a myriad of emotions when I saw my big installation at the Malba Museum or the installation that I created for the Modern Art Museum in Brazil.
Describe your designs in three words.
Push the limits.
